Translated with AI
Ten armed clashes between Tajik security forces and Afghan drug traffickers were recorded on the border between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in the first half of 2025. Zafar Samad, Director of the Drug Control Agency under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, announced this to journalists at a press conference on July 29.
According to him, four criminals, all Afghan citizens, were neutralized as a result of the shootout. Most of the incidents occurred in the border areas of Afghanistan's Badakhshan Province, which borders Tajikistan's Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. The perpetrators often used heavy weapons and modern communications equipment.
The number of collisions during this period exceeded the same figure for 2024, when six such cases were recorded.
"Afghanistan remains the main source of drug trafficking destined for Tajikistan. In the first half of this year alone, 1,692 kilograms of narcotics were seized in border areas—this represents 54.4% of the total seizures across the country," Samad noted.
A total of 3,107 kilograms of narcotics were seized from illegal circulation in Tajikistan from January to June 2025. This is 10 kilograms more than the same period in 2024 (3,96 kilograms).
Distribution of seizure volumes by department:
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Ministry of Internal Affairs – 1 ton 176 kg (in 2024 – 2 tons 89 kg);
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State Committee for National Security – 1 ton 459 kg (2024 – 789 kg);
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Drug Control Agency – 384 kg (2024 – 217 kg);
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Customs Service – 83 kg (not seized in 2024);
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Anti-Corruption Agency – 3 kg (in 2024 – 508 g).
In addition, during this period, law enforcement agencies seized 155 kg of psychotropic substances—85% more than in the first half of 2024. 21,741 narcotic tablets were also seized from illegal circulation, 15,824 of which were seized directly by DCA officers.
As part of the fight against drug crime, 86 offenses were identified in 2025, a 56% increase from the same period last year. The activities of 24 criminal groups, comprising 53 individuals, were dismantled (compared to 15 in 2024).
The agency emphasizes that, amid the unstable situation in neighboring Afghanistan, Tajikistan continues to strengthen its border security measures and is increasing international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.
